DOCS IN YOGA CALL

Lead researcher Dr Jo Inchley, from the University of St Andrews, said social media was impacting on kids’ health.

She said: “We know there are risks, such as cyber bullying and impact on mental health, as well as things like missing out on sleep.

“Also, there are longer-term impacts on physical health from being sedentary.

“One of the main challenges is that this kind of activity (social media and computer use) is so much part of young people’s lives these days.”

Getty Images

Scientists warn that obese children are more likely to suffer from type-2 diabetes and liver disease in the future

Getty Images

Experts say that more needs to be done to get UK teenagers exercising

She said more needs to be done to get kids moving throughout the day.

Dr Steven Mann, research director for UK Active said the findings were “alarming”.

He said: “Modern life has changed, but when teens are spending hours hunched over Facebook, Instagram and videogames, they simply aren’t getting the exercise that they need.

“These alarming inactivity figures show that playtime is over before it has started for too many children, putting them at far greater risk of future conditions like heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.”

And Tam Fry, from the National Obesity Forum, warned Brit teens are now “slaves to handheld devices”.

The WHO warns four in five fat teens will continue to struggle with their weight throughout life.

The report also shows less than half of UK youngsters consume fruit or veg daily.